Which factors may influence nutritional needs?

Age is a significant factor that influences nutritional needs because the dietary requirements of individuals change throughout their lifespan. For example, infants and children have higher energy and nutrient needs relative to their size to support growth and development. As people transition into adolescence, the need for certain nutrients, like calcium and iron, increases due to rapid growth and development. In adulthood, nutritional needs may decrease due to a slower metabolism and reduced physical activity, while older adults often require fewer calories but may need more of certain nutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium, to help maintain bone health and prevent chronic diseases.

Other factors, while they may have some effect, do not influence nutritional needs as directly as age does. Marital status can reflect lifestyle choices and food availability, but it does not fundamentally change what the body needs nutritionally. Economic status can indeed affect the quality and quantity of food a person can access, but it does not alter the underlying biological nutrient requirements of the body. Birth order may influence behaviors around food or access to resources within a family but does not have a direct impact on nutritional needs.